The essay sets its stage with a story of Orwell’s bed-wetting and the beatings that resulted. The whole essay lays bare the tyrannical regime of his English “Public” boarding school. Ruled over by “Sambo”, the headmaster, and his wife, “Flip”. The school itself being a crude imitation of more prestigious schools, it’s entire atmosphere representing a neurosis on Sambo’s part, that he must compete with these other schools.
Throughout the essay Orwell is seeking to convey the strange texture of childhood,
“Here is a little boy,” said Flip, indicating me to the strange lady, “who wets his bed every night. Do you know what I am going to do if you wet your bed again?” she added, turning to me, “I am going to get the Sixth Form to beat you.”